IF LIFE had gone according to plan, Meyer Bosman would be back home sitting an accountancy exam this week.

Instead, the 20-year-old fly-half is about to face an examination of an altogether different kind at the Millennium Stadium.

When he steps out to make his debut for South Africa against Wales tomorrow, it will complete one of the most meteoric rises in modern Test rugby.

Bosman began his domestic season as a complete unknown and even now he's not the first-choice No 10 at his province, Free State Cheetahs.

In fact, he's only started one game for them and of his seven appearances as a replacement, just two have been at fly-half.

But Springboks coach Jake White saw enough in those outings - including a try-scoring cameo in the Currie Cup final - to add the youngster to his autumn tour squad as late injury cover.

And now, with Andre Pretorius and Jaco van der Westhuyzen both crocked, the coach has thrown Bosman in at the deep end.

"I'm not intimidated, but definitely a little nervous," admitted Bosman.

"It was a big surprise to be selected. If someone had told me a month ago I would be included in the starting line-up for a Test against Wales, I wouldn't have believed them.

"Everything hasn't sunk in yet and I'm still trying to absorb it, but I'm just grateful for what has happened.

"I am looking forward to the game more than anything else because it's a really big opportunity. Generally, I'm a relaxed person and I don't really get stressed out beforehand."

His size - 6ft 3ins and 15st - has inevitably led to comparisons with Springbok fly-half great Henry Honiball, who was of a very similar build.

But while he was a big admirer of the player nicknamed "Lem," Bosman is determined to be his own man.

"When I was a little boy, Honiball was my hero," he said.

"I liked his way of playing, but I don't consciously go out to play like him. I rather want to focus on my own strong points.

"I don't think the comparison really puts pressure on me. I'm not paying any attention to it. I am just trying to be my own man."

So what strengths will he bring to the party?

"I like to attack. I want to get over the advantage line as often as possible and to distribute the ball," he said.

"I'm not afraid to tackle either. It's in defence where I would like to be like Honiball."

As befits a young man with seven A-grades to his name, Bosman is bright enough to realise it will be a case of sink or swim tomorrow.

"The senior guys in the team have really helped me to find my feet by helping me adjust to the playing pattern, the calls, running lines, defence and so forth," he said.

"But I will have to manage on my own this weekend and stand my ground. I can't expect the senior players to do my work."

Born in Bethlehem - the eastern Free State version - Bosman was educated at Oakdale Agricultural High School, where his talent saw him earn national age-group recognition.

But it's working under Cheetahs coach Rassie Erasmus this year which has really accelerated his development, with his performance in the Currie Cup final victory over the Blue Bulls - where he made one try and scored the winner - bringing him to the attention of the South African public.

Now he finds himself on the biggest stage of all, with Boks coach White showing huge faith in his ability.

"It's always a big call when you pick a new cap, but Meyer is a player who complements the rest of the backs," said White.

"He is a very talented player. He's big and tall, he kicks the ball well and has good skills.

"He passes well off both hands. It was his long pass to the left that led to the Cheetahs' first try in the Currie Cup final.

He has time on the ball and he also has solid defensive capabilities.

"Few players look after the fly-half channel defensively as well as he does. He reminds me a lot of Henry Honiball in that sense."

White confirmed that the big-booted Bosman will be handed the kicking duties where the posts are out of Percy Montgomery's range.

There is also inexperience at scrum-half, with fellow Cheetah Michael Claassens making his first start for the Boks after four outings from the bench.

"There are a few nerves, but it's a big opportunity. It's what you dream about," said Claassens, 23.

"Wales will probably target Meyer and myself because we are a young half-back pairing, but it's difficult to go into a game and decide you want to target two guys. We have a very good pack that will do a fine job of protecting us. Wales can only do so much."